It's Never Boring Around Here

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Yesterday I took a flight out of Gulfport/Biloxi to Syracuse, NY where my husband is working and I hope to spend some time just working out and relaxing for a few days. The first part of the flight went well and we got to Atlanta with time to spare.

Got settled into my seat for the second leg of the flight and much to my delight, I had no seat mate so I was able to spread out and really relax ad enjoy the flight. We start out on the runway and What The Heck Is That?? The plane started vibrating and shaking like it was going to fall apart. The pilot shut down everything immediately and here come the fire trucks. The flight attendant was talking to the the people at the exit rows - I was sitting one seat behind them - to make sure they knew what to do.

The pilot and the fire fighters were having a discussion outside and they decided that we could return to the gate escorted by the fire trucks. Apparently something was wrong with the nose something or other and it would take about an hour to fix so we could deplane but stay in the area.

An hour later they said they were going to find another plane and we should be on our way in an hour. An hour after that they said they found a plane and it should be here in an hour. An hour after that they said to wait another hour. And on and on.

Finally around 2 am they got us loaded up and on our way. Delta graciously gave us every snack on the plane and those who imbibe got all drinks for free although at 2 am there were not many takers.

The great part of this is that I was part of a little group of people from Syracuse and now I have new friends. One man, Joe - a UPS guy, and his wife had started out from Salt Lake City and their plane broke in Denver so they were rerouted to Chicago, Detroit and then Atlanta before getting home. Another woman, Fran, is a hairdresser and I'm in desperate need of a trim. And there is the man whose name I never got who drove all of us home. What a wonderful group of people and how did I get so lucky to find friends in these crazy, chaotic circumstances?

All that stuff I've ever heard about New Yorkers and how aloof and indifferent they are is so not true. All of us were in the same boat and yet we had a great time and just enjoyed ourselves. Delta gave us meal vouchers and a 75 dollars certificate to use on Delta. We pooled our meal vouchers and we all got bagels and a softdrink. I'd say that qualifies as a party.

I am sure I will always stay in touch with Fran and I will always help someone in need as a way of paying homage to the man who went out of his way at 4 am to drive us all home. Way to turn and mis-adventure into an fun adventure with new friends.

Lesson learned: we CAN all get along. There is ALWAYS a silver lining. Every mishap IS an opportunity. NY rocks!

GERRYCAM1
I had a similar crazy journey on the way to Italy just before Christmas--- disaster can definitely be an big adventure! I am back on track with much joy now. I just did an intuition conference call with SARK last night and she talks about transforming situations with joy. (It was 2am because of the time difference in Scotland, but worth it) Do you know SARK's work? I love her books. Sounds like you are out there with your transformation wand!!2518 days ago

ARTHURTOM
Neat how you meet people through different circumstances...kinda like spark people but on a much more personal level...glad everything went well through the face of what presented!2608 days ago

ECOCHRISTIAN
When people talk about New Yorkers, they are usually talking about those in New York City. And look at how they all pulled together after 9/11. Nothing like a crisis to bring people together. I'm glad it all worked out for you.Janet(formerly of Syracuse, New York)2611 days ago

DENI_ZEN
What a beautiful experience grew out of a breathtakingly frightening one, Dee! I'm so glad for you :) Of the New Yorkers I've met and/or known well, I've liked them all, finding them to be a warm, very friendly, and innately helpful bunch. They're also amazingly strong - open, too. But, say - I'm just grateful you're okay after such a scary time! Lots of - Sandi2611 days ago

ABURNS2012
Sounds like a crazy day for sure! One thing about New Yorkers though the upstate people are a different breed than the downstaters! Thankfully you were coming upstate, that's where the laid back, easy going people are! 2611 days ago